Effectiveness of intradialytic muscle stretching exercise on muscle cramps among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Oman - A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) typically exhibit symptoms of the “uremic” syndrome and lower quality of life. Intradialytic muscle stretching exercise has been proposed as a method to improve activity levels by reducing uremic symptoms. In Oman, hypertension and diabetes increase the risk of ESRD, the sixth leading cause of death. ESRD patients in Oman require more dialysis, straining healthcare financial burden. Methods: A pre- and post-test randomized controlled trial was conducted at the tertiary hospital in Oman, involving 78 individuals (n1 = 39 and n2 = 39). The study included demographic data and a muscle cramp questionnaire chart. Results: In the third observation, the intervention group experienced less pain in hour III (p = 0.012) and hour IV muscle cramps (p = 0.004). Heart disease was associated with 2^nd-h muscle cramps (p = 0.032). Prior cramp episodes were significant, whereas 2^nd-h cramp patterns were not (p = 0.079). The timing of 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th-h muscle cramps was associated (p = 0.006, p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Coping evaluations in the 3^rd and 4^th h were associated (p = 0.003, p = 0.313). Conclusion: Intradialytic stretching exercise may serve as a non-pharmacological treatment for maintenance hemodialysis patients. This low-risk, cost-effective method has the potential to improve patient care, reduce symptoms, hospitalization rates, and enhance physical and mental performance.